Shooting sends UK Hoops home from Elite Eight

The TV picture didn’t lie. There was Matthew Mitchell’s wife, Jenna, sitting in the stands in Kingston, Rhode Island. Her husband’s team was falling further and further behind in the second half. And the pained look on the face of Mrs. Mitchell told the story.

For the second time in three years, the Kentucky women advanced to the Elite Eight, only to be stopped one win short of the Final Four. Connecticut took out the Cats last night, beating Kentucky 80-65.

Shooting was the difference. UK shot 25.8 percent in the second half and 31.1 for the game.

“That is my inability over the course of this season to help our players with big, physical zones,” said Mitchell afterward. “Connecticut probably plays it better than anyone. They are so physical and are really, really tough with a lot of contact. If you’re not tough enough to play through it, you can have some of those withering runs.”

Connecticut advanced to its fifth straight Final Four, though this one was considered unlikely in Storrs.

Kentucky finished the year 28-7, which included the team’s first SEC title in 30 years.